
Former ambassador Matthew Barzun reveals why surrendering control creates unstoppable organizations. Embraced by leadership circles for challenging traditional hierarchies, this book introduces the "constellation mindset" that powered Obama's campaigns. What if giving away power is actually your greatest strength?
Matthew Barzun, author of The Power of Giving Away Power, is a leadership expert, media entrepreneur, and former U.S. diplomat whose career spans diplomacy, technology, and political innovation. His book, a leadership and organizational dynamics manifesto, argues that decentralized "constellation" models drive innovation—a philosophy shaped by his tenure as U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Sweden, and his pioneering role in Barack Obama’s grassroots-funded presidential campaigns.
A co-founder of early internet giant CNET Networks and current chair of Tortoise Media, Barzun bridges tech innovation with civic engagement. He serves on the National Constitution Center’s board and owns Louisville Magazine, amplifying his focus on democratic dialogue. Recognized for reimagining political fundraising through small-dollar donor mobilization, his insights have been featured in TED-style talks and leadership forums worldwide.
Barzun’s work as a diplomat, campaign strategist, and publisher underscores his authority on collaborative leadership. The Power of Giving Away Power, published by Penguin/Portfolio, reflects his commitment to redefining power structures—a vision honed through decades of shaping institutions across government, media, and tech.
The Power of Giving Away Power explores how leaders and organizations thrive by decentralizing authority. Matthew Barzun contrasts the traditional hierarchical “Pyramid” model with the collaborative “Constellation” mindset, where trust, creativity, and shared ownership flourish. Through historical and modern examples, the book argues that distributing power fosters innovation and belonging, transforming how teams and institutions operate.
This book is ideal for leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs seeking to build adaptive, inclusive organizations. It also appeals to anyone interested in organizational psychology, collaborative decision-making, or non-hierarchical leadership models. Barzun’s insights are particularly relevant for those navigating workplace culture shifts or aiming to foster trust in teams.
Yes, for its fresh perspective on leadership. Readers praise Barzun’s real-world examples (e.g., diplomatic and corporate experiences) and the “Constellation” framework. However, some note its repetitive structure and lack of actionable steps. If you value conceptual insights over tactical advice, it’s a compelling read.
The book advises leaders to:
Critics highlight:
Unlike Atomic Habits (focused on individual routines) or Leaders Eat Last (hierarchical service), Barzun prioritizes systemic power redistribution. It complements Reinventing Organizations but offers more anecdotal evidence than theoretical frameworks.
Barzun is a former U.S. Ambassador to the UK/Sweden, CNET executive, and Obama campaign strategist. His diplomatic and entrepreneurial experiences inform the book’s case studies, blending political, corporate, and nonprofit insights.
True leadership isn’t about controlling power but creating conditions where others generate it. By embracing uncertainty and valuing collective wisdom, leaders unlock sustainable growth and loyalty—a lesson vital for modern, decentralized workplaces.
Barzun introduces “mutual liberation”—a middle ground between individualism and collectivism. Successful collaboration requires expecting to “need others, be needed, and be changed.” This mindset shift helps teams achieve outcomes no individual could alone.
Yes. By shifting focus from rigid hierarchies to flexible networks, the book provides a blueprint for managing transitions. It’s particularly useful for scaling startups, reforming bureaucratic institutions, or merging teams with competing cultures.
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Our society has overindexed on rugged individualism.
Freedom with: collaborate while maintaining individual autonomy.
Rejecting advertising in favor of donation funding.
Experts deciding and assigning from the top down.
Divida as ideias-chave de The Power of Giving Away Power em pontos fáceis de entender para compreender como equipes inovadoras criam, colaboram e crescem.
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Criado por ex-alunos da Universidade de Columbia em San Francisco
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Criado por ex-alunos da Universidade de Columbia em San Francisco

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Pull out a dollar bill and look closely. You'll find something curious - a pyramid with an all-seeing eye floating above it. Turn to the Great Seal of the United States, and you'll discover something most Americans never notice: there's another side. It shows a constellation of thirteen stars, each representing a state, arranged in a pattern of mutual coordination. These aren't just decorative symbols - they represent two fundamentally opposing philosophies of how power works. One concentrates control at the top, flowing downward through rigid hierarchy. The other distributes power across networks of equals, creating energy through connection. Here's what makes this fascinating: the constellation side was cast in metal immediately upon approval in 1782, but the pyramid side sat dormant for 150 years until Franklin Roosevelt placed it on currency during the Great Depression. That shift wasn't accidental - it marked America's pivot toward centralized federal power. But which approach actually creates more power? The answer might surprise you, because it turns out that giving power away often generates far more than hoarding it ever could.